That deal was started by Paradigm, where Yen recently left. His role in the film isn’t a surprise; he appeared at a Cannes panel on the film that I moderated last May. The film begins production in New Zealand in June and Michelle Yeoh reprises her role from the original. Though new to the U.S., Yen has been acting, producing, directing and serving as action choreographer since 1982. He was named the top earning artist in Forbes Asia, and this film will be his first as a leading man in an English language film. Yen is coming off the 3D epic Monkey King, which set a single day record at the China box office with $41 million in ticket sales, and is has grossed over $165 million in China and is spawning a sequel. Yen starred and choreographed and directing the realistic and unconventional fight scenes. Yen continues to be repped by Hong Kong attorney John McLellan.

20 Comments

Interesting. I wonder if they’ll have Chow Yun-Fat play his deceased character’s twin brother again… :)

ek • on Apr 2, 2014 11:50 am

I find it amazing that Yen has never starred in an English language film, considering he’s from the US and can actually speak English fluently, not to mention his ass kicking bonafides.

Jay • on Apr 5, 2014 9:21 am

He did. He was in Blade 2 but he never spoke or had a line. Im sure he only said one word once in that whole movie and he died. lol

Gemma • on Apr 7, 2014 7:04 pm

He was also in Highlander: Endgame (Adrian Paul) and in Shanghai Knights (Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson) as a baddie.

He had a pretty substantial speaking part as a supporting actor in Endgame.

Happy to see more of him.

Monkey King • on Apr 2, 2014 11:57 am

Donnie should have started appearing in Hollywood films a long time ago.

James • on Apr 4, 2014 9:25 pm

Donnie actually came to work in U.S. back in the early 2000s I believe but the production didn’t work out so he returned to Hong Kong. I believe not just Donnie but many Asian celebrities thinks Hollywood can’t handle or utilize them well.

cadavra • on Apr 2, 2014 1:56 pm

Make that “relatively new” to the U.S., since those of us who follow HK cinema have enjoyed his work for decades, especially in the two IP MAN films, which were light-years ahead of the pretentious mess that was THE GRANDMASTER.

Bruce Leroy • on Apr 2, 2014 5:20 pm

Plus he was in Blade II. It’s a shame, though, that he’s 50 and still not more widely known in the US.

Marcus • on Apr 6, 2014 12:24 am

Are you kidding? The Grandmaster was a superb movie.

gazell • on Apr 2, 2014 7:00 pm

He isn’t from the us

Ray H • on Apr 3, 2014 8:46 am

Not from the US originally, but he grew up and went to high school in Boston.

Liu ching • on Apr 2, 2014 10:42 pm

Donnie Yen is a very good action actor in China but he is too old to play young character I guess Yu’s lover may fit him.
Who is going to play Han? There is one actor Ming Dao who is from Taiwan may suit this role. He is very cut, tall and younger than Donnie. Also he learned taekwando (kickboxing) when he was young and he can speak English, if possible ask him to play Han. That will be good for the film

Pomme NJ • on Apr 3, 2014 4:40 am

Donnie Yen is absolutely talented. His work is unique and phenomenal. He has been admired and respected by his peers and Asian fans for more than 30 years. The fact that he’s “new to the U.S.” is nothing but it’s loss.

David • on Apr 3, 2014 8:56 am

He was also in Highlander: Endgame and played the main villain in Shanghai Knights.

Jon • on Apr 4, 2014 7:58 pm

Tbh, he doesn’t fir for his age! He should be at least 45. Lol Anyways he’s still a fir and strong man.

Donnie Yen is an unstoppable force that has not been slowed by age, it has only made Him wiser, more skilled, & more refined as an actor, director, & Martial Artist. He was in Hero, & Iron Monkey which were released in the U.S. With English language dubbing & played a Vampire in Blade 2. He has long been My favorite actor & I an Uber stoked about this!

CMasterHer • on Apr 4, 2014 8:29 pm

That’s right, David! I KNEW I was missing one

Kas • on Apr 5, 2014 4:33 am

I understand its not his first English language movie but his first to be a lead actor. He also starred in Blade.